Well, I did it. I’m not usually all rah-rah about myself, but today I sure am. I have met another goal. A BIG one.

My goal was to lose 20 pounds by my birthday. As it turns out, I hit the 20.2 pound mark yesterday ON my birthday! As I looked down at the digital scale yesterday morning and learned the great news, I was surprised at the emotions that overwhelmed me. It’s been a long time since I cried tears of pure joy. I expected to be happy, to be proud of myself when I reached this huge milestone, but it was way deeper than that. My happy dance was a sight to behold. (Thankfully you didn’t have to see THAT!)

This morning my weight is down even further. Go figure! On our trip I mostly ate wisely, but we ate out a lot. And, I allowed myself some luxuries, like Mom’s homemade hot rolls slathered with butter and a meal at our beloved AQ Chicken House. I really expected to put on weight this week, not continue to lose.

The next phase of this weight-loss journey is in sight! I plan to lose 3 to 5 more pounds, but I don’t think I will be quite ready for Weight Watchers’ Lifetime Member program yet. The element missing in my journey is exercise. I need to talk to a WW counselor, but I think I will lose a few more pounds to give me some cushion for gaining from exercise. It has worked out nicely for me to concentrate on the weight loss/change of eating habits first, then turn my focus to exercise. I’m actually looking forward to it.

I have been limping along with my same wardrobe through the last 14 weeks, but the time has come to part company. My clothes are so baggy, it is hilarious. (See photos of the new me in the sidebar.) I received a large applause at the last WW meeting when I shared that I was nearly late because I couldn’t find any clothes to wear that would fit me. That was a wonderful moment as well.

My birthday present from my hubby is the promise of new clothes. This weekend. And not a moment too soon. Anyone care to go shopping? Oh well. I’ll go with my best friends, Me, Myself, and I, and have a very happy day. It’s a good thing I like those people!

If anyone reading this is even remotely thinking about joining the Weight Watchers program, my advice is don’t waste any more time. Just DO it! I am so glad I did.